Buckley Dams Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Buckley Dams, located in Salisbury, Connecticut, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1957 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on White Hollow Brook, the dam has a height of 13 feet and a length of 120 feet, providing a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Buckley Dams serves as a vital resource for the community, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and water recreation.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Buckley Dams is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a spillway width of 46 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1550 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Buckley Dams continues to provide reliable water storage and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors in Litchfield County.

As a significant landmark in the region, Buckley Dams plays a crucial role in the management of water resources and climate resilience efforts. With its strategic location and recreational benefits, the dam serves as a valuable asset for the community, contributing to the overall environmental and social well-being of the area. With ongoing maintenance and oversight, Buckley Dams remains a key player in water management and conservation initiatives in Connecticut.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

WHITE HOLLOW BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

3.1

Nid Storage

138

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.